Nursing Assistant Certified
Commonly referred to as CNAs, Nursing Assistants work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
NACs are qualified to work under the direction of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and assist in the care of clients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Graduates learn to maintain a safe environment for the client, provide restorative care, and communicate with clients, and understand basic concepts of care.
High Pass Rates on Certification Exams
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s Nursing Assistant Program Approval Panel in April 2023 identified the Centralia College NAC program as one with pass rates above 80 percent for 2021 and 2022. CC’s pass rate was 88.9 percent in 2021 and 96 percent in 2022.
Included Certifications
- Students will earn state credentials in specialty training courses Dementia, Mental Health, Nurse Delegation, and Special Focus on Diabetes.
- Students will also receive their BLS credential through the co-requisite course.
- Students will get their Nursing Assistant Registered credential while in the class.
Program Length
The NAC program takes 10 weeks to complete. Students earn 12 credits and 168 hours.
Program Certification
This course is approved and certified by both the Washington State Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant Certified training program, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and to become licensed in Washington State.
NAC Duties
- Turn and reposition bedridden clients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores
- Answer clients call signals
- Feed clients who are unable to feed themselves
- Observe clients conditions, measuring and recording food and liquid intake and output, vital signs and report changes to professional staff
- Provide clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed
- Bathe, groom, shave, dress, and/or drape clients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination
- Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum
- Prepare, serve and collect food trays
- Clean rooms and change linens
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no application to enter this program. You do not need to attend academic advising and you do not need to take any placement tests, unless you are pursuing further education into the Registered Nursing (RN) program.
Once registration opens, you need to register for the class schedule that works best for you. Classes often fill up quickly after registration opens. Be sure that you are ready to register on the correct day and at the right time .
ContactCareer & Technical EducationTech (TEC) Building, Room 114 360-623-8963 cte@centralia.edu |
Lorri Speer Program Director/Faculty Office: SWFT Center 360-623-8619 Email Lorri Speer |